106 Mount St,
London
W1K 2TW
Passed: 18th November 2025
If I am to be completely honest, it’s being able to smoke and enjoy cigars at work. If it be smoking new blends or old faithfuls, to have that opportunity is a privilege. It’s one of the best selling techniques too, because customers have confidence in your recommendations seeing that you’re a cigar smoker. I can’t count how many times customers have made a purchase based on what I am smoking or smelling the aroma of my lit cigar.
I can’t recall exactly, maybe it’s the relaxing factor of taking time out and enjoying a handmade product. Whatever it was, I am glad it peaked its interest in me and as mark Twain famously said “If I cannot smoke in heaven, then I shall not go”.
Yes I do, although it’s not one I smoke much of anymore. It was Quai D’Orsay Corona Claro, a mild and pleasant cigar but I remember that it took ages to smoke and when faced with the challenge of the British weather, it did get a little tedious.
My advice would be different for each individual. But as rule of thumb of recommending first cigars, I’d recommend something short and mild. Some fine examples are like H.Upmann Half Corona, Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto, Quai D’Orsay No.50 and even Por Larranga Petit Corona. But continuing on upon your journey, I’d suggest trying more and more different cigars as possible. Don’t stress upon finding flavours, just follow your palate and eventually you’re build an understanding of what you like and dislike.
This is a challenging question that doesn’t really have a definite answer, It changes and evolves all the time. Three cigars that I feel I’ve always gone back to are H.Upmann No.2, Ramon Allones Specially Selected and Bolivar Belicosos Finos. But I’ve had some really enjoyable cigars that are sadly no longer produced, one stand out example is H.Upmann Robusto Añejados, I really enjoyed smoking a few of those aged beauties.
Yes certainly, firstly it’s an achievement that requires dedication and even as a professional working with cigars everyday. There is so much to know and learn, so by passing the exam it gives you that regonition of really knowing your stuff from seed to cigar. Secondly, most importantly it allows you to help guide, assist and advise the customer/s in the best way possible.
James J Fox
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Read More*There are also a number of Masters of Havana Cigars working in private members clubs that are not listed here.
